Three Things You Can Do To Enhance The Effectiveness Of PRP Injections
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, injections involve a process in which your own platelets are removed, concentrated, and then reinjected into your body. Not only are these injections natural, but they are known to be especially helpful because of the regeneration and healing properties they offer. On their own, they can help improve the rate at which your body heals, which can help stimulate hair transplant growth, aid in recovery after a surgical procedure, and so much more. However, there are also measures you can take to further enhance the effect of PRP injections.
Stay Hydrated
One thing you can do before you have the procedure performed is ensure you remain hydrated. The effectiveness of a PRP injection will be based on the quality of red blood cells that are initially extracted.
When the body is not hydrated properly, red blood cells will sickle, which makes it harder for them to travel throughout the body, which means that it is harder to extract them from the body. To ensure you are able to obtain a platelet-rich supply, ensure that you keep yourself hydrated in the days leading up to the procedure.
Monitor Medication Use
Make sure you speak with your provider before you take any medication, both prescription and over-the-counter. It is especially important that you avoid anti-inflammatory drugs in the period just after the injection.
These injections help illicit an inflammatory response in the body, which is a critical part of the natural healing process. As you might imagine, anti-inflammatory drugs are formulated to inhibit inflammation, which essentially inhibits the effect of the injection. Your provider will let you know when it is safe to take these medications again, so wait until you have clearance.
Avoid Smoking
If you smoke after you have received an injection, you will minimize the effect of the treatment. Smoking can directly target the immune system, which plays one of the most important roles in the body's healing system.
Although the PRP injection is intended to help speed healing, smoking will essentially make your body work against itself by stifling your immune response. Not only will smoking reduce the effectiveness of the treatment, but it can also increase the time it takes for you to heal normally, which is not helpful.
If you have additional questions or concerns about how you can enhance the effect of your PRP injections be sure to speak with your provider.
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